Kenneth Donald Macpherson 21/12/1930 – 26/3/2026
Ken Macpherson was one of the founders of Boots N’ All, and led the very first Boots N’ All walk to Meander Falls, on 30th May 1981. He had, of course, been involved in bushwalking long before that. Neil Walker, an early participant and leader in Boots N’ All, wrote, “My earliest memory of Ken was late ’60’s or early ’70’s in Latrobe. Ken, his dad – also Ken, and 3 or 4 others (including another Ken) were planning a walk on the overland track. I then got to know Ken through Boots N’ All & North West Trekkers in the ’80’s and ongoing. Ken always offered support and encouragement to all participants, regardless of ability.” Neil recalled the ongoing encouragement and interest Ken took in participating children including his son, always having jelly beans at hand to encourage people on, and continuing to ask after their progress over many years. He continues, “Over time I have been privileged to personally enjoy the companionship and fellowship with Ken, whether it be on day walks or at camps in places Like the Walls of Jerusalem, Arm River camp, and Cradle Mt. “
Ken worked as an internal auditor for Websters and finished his working career with some years in Hobart. He returned north, buying a home at Robigana around 1995 when he retired at 65. Dr Phil Andrew, retired GP and medical missionary, recalls, “I had met Ken in the 1980s on one of our furloughs from Nigeria, maybe 1983 or 1986, when we spoke at Lawrence Vale Uniting Church which he was part of at the time. Ken was keen to walk regularly with me and mentor me in bushwalking which we started doing around 2000. We explored many new destinations that became Boots N’ All walks, led firstly by Ken, and later by me. David Harvey, another of the founders of Boots N’ All, invited me to lead my first walk, to St. Paul’s Dome, in 2001.”
Ken’s return to Launceston marked an increase in the number of Boots N’ All walks each year. He and David Harvey worked hard to renew the program and recruit leaders. Ken continued to lead walks up to 2004.
A very considerate person, Ken always made sure that people felt welcomed, and encouraged them if they were finding the going challenging. He was very patient with slower walkers, happy to hang back and help them have an enjoyable day rather than feel left behind, or that they were a burden.
He was determined to continue and participate as long as age would allow – for instance, leaving home in the very early hours of the morning to get a head start on a Walls of Jerusalem BNA walk. The main group of walkers met up with him at Herod’s Gate as he was on his way back from Solomon’s Throne, while they were still on their way up!
Even after retiring from leading and participating in walks, Ken took a strong interest in Boots N’ All, and offered advice and information as walks were planned. He often consulted his son-in-law Gerald, who worked with S.E.S. and was particularly involved in training and mapping work, and was able to provide information on routes and conditions. Even in quite recent years, if there were walks in his area, Ken, along with David Harvey, would make the effort to link up with the walkers before or during the walk, to offer encouragement.
Ken was a devoted husband to Joyce – Joyce Isabel Macpherson (nee Whittaker) 1933-2024, especially as her needs grew with old age. He was a loving father and father-in-law of Ross and Jan, Rod and Francoise, Debbie and Patrick, Robyn and Steve, Michelle and Gerald, a proud Pop to his 15 grandchildren and Pop-Pop of his 5 great-grandchildren. A loving brother and brother-in-law, of Betty and Robin Idec.), Ian and Bev (both dec.) Jack and Ethel (both dec.) *
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of the Life of Kenneth Donald Macpherson to be held at the C.T. Finney Centre, 34 Nunamina Ave, Kings Meadows on Tuesday 21st April 2026 commencing at 12:30pm. Please wear bright colours or black and white. For those wishing to view the service via livestream please visit: www.finneyfunerals.com.au/funerals
On 30th May 2026, Boots N’ All has planned a walk to Meander Falls to mark the 45th anniversary of that very first walk.
* Details from Examiner notice, 4th April 2026